Pairings: Steve & Loki (explicit), Thor & Tony & Pepper, Thor & Jane, Logan & Bruce/Hulk, Thor & Sif


At 14:52, Captain Rogers makes everyone take a break. They've done good work and made progress and have the beginnings of a strategy. Now they need a bit of a rest, a chance to stretch their legs.

After a quick trip to the bathroom, Steve takes Loki to the roof. They look out over the city. The artist takes the god's hand, their first tender touch since Coulson joined them in the room.

"How are you holding up?" the blond asks as his thumb makes gentle circles on the back of his lover's hand.

"The distraction has been welcome. And you, my Darling?" Green eyes study the young, handsome face.

"It's not a distraction for me. It's people's lives. It's protecting our homes…our freedoms."

"I did not mean…I know this is important to you."

"I want it to be important to you."

Loki tries to convince him that it is. It doesn't help that the main reason is because it is important to the Captain. He decides to change the subject when he sees the blue eyes darken and give off an unhappy stare. "Have you given any thought to the art?"

"The art?"

"Punishment first. Art after," he quotes his lover's words from the night before.

"Oh, right. No, I haven't." Well, that isn't completely true. "There was one idea I've been considering, but I don't think you're going to like it."

The God of Mischief squeezes Steve's hand. "I love your art, Darling."

"Yeah, well, I haven't told you about this one."

"You never tell me. I don't need you to tell me. Well, just tell me what to wear…or not wear…and where to be. That is all I need from you."

"You trust me that much?"

"Of course."

Steve takes a breath. "Even if I asked you to turn blue?" He watches Loki blanch slightly. "I want to do my own take on Asgardian art, and I want you...the Frost Giant you to be my main subject."

The Trickster is working very hard to remain still. "You mean you wish me to be your monster."

"No, Kitten," the artist says as he rubs the god's arms. "That's just it. I want to show that you aren't the monster, that sometimes those stories are all wrong. I want you to be the hero. I want to show that sometimes the victors are the true monsters…or that there's really no difference between us."

Loki walks to the edge of the building away from Steve. The artist follows him and hugs him from behind. "And who will be your Asgardian?"

"Not sure yet. I'm not sure I'll include one."

"If you want it to mimic Asgardian art, then you need an Asgardian…my vanquisher."

"I was considering making you the Asgardian, too…you vanquishing yourself."

Amenableness be damned. He turns to look at his lover. "No. It should be Natasha."

"Tasha? Why?"

"She is closest to an Asgardian ideal. And she can stand in for Sif. I assume you know some of my history with Sif."

"I know about the haircut."

"There. Natasha can pretend to be Sif vanquishing me for what I did to her hair, monster that I am."

"That's not…Shouldn't…? Isn't the hero almost always a man in those paintings?"

"Well Thor is gone. No man here looks Asgardian. Tasha is the closest. I suggest you use her." It does not sound like a suggestion.

The artist chews on his lip as he thinks. "I'll consider it."

"Good. Then we should probably return." He removes himself from his lover's arms and starts walking towards the door.

Steve grabs Loki's wrist and pulls him back and into a kiss. "I know you're scared, Kitten. And no matter what color you are, I still love you."

"I don't even know if I can turn blue on command."

"It's okay. I know how to turn sections of you blue. That'll be enough…probably." He tries not to look disappointed. "I'm sure it'll be enough. But…before we bring Natasha in, I'd like it to be just us. A portrait to see if it'll even work the way I imagine." He caresses the Trickster's cheek. "I know what this means, how difficult it might be for you. I want you to feel safe, loved. I want…I want you to be comfortable with this."

"Art is not for comfort. You taught me that. Art is for truth."

The artist nods. "I want to explore your truth, Kitten. And I want everyone to see how beautiful it is, how noble."

Loki cannot deny the sincerity in his lover's voice and eyes. It takes him aback, makes him feel suddenly guilty for doubting. He plants desperate kisses on Steve's lips. They are kisses of apology and thankfulness and trust and hope. "I love you, Steve Rogers."

"I love you back, Kitten." He caresses the god's cheek. "If you really want Natasha there…"

"No. Not at first." He looks into the deep blue eyes. "You're right. This is…intimate…difficult." He takes a breath. "If you were anyone else…"

"I know, Sweetie. I'd be a sheep." He gives a small smile. "See? I knew the risks before asking."

"But you knew I'd say yes."

"I knew you'd feel like you didn't have a choice. So we do it alone. Then, if you like my portrait of you and if you're okay with it, we do it with Natasha. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

Steve gives the god one last kiss before they head back downstairs and join the S.H.I.E.L.D. agents in the conference room.

xxx

Thor visits Darcy and Erik before returning to Asgard. They are in the diner so that Thor may have one final cup of coffee before returning home. Darcy, as usual, brings a smile to his face.

"She's an idiot. Anyone who would dump a guy like you is an idiot."

"She is not an idiot, Darcy. She deserves better. I will not deny it broke my heart. But if she had not, there are certain pleasures I would not have known. And for that alone, I am grateful to her." He smiles at the memories of his time with Tony and Pepper.

"Wait. 'Certain pleasures'? Like what? Dish it, warrior man."

The doctor interrupts. "Now, now, Darcy. I'm sure Thor has better things to do."

Thor smiles. He leans in conspiratorially towards the young brunette. "I do not think Dr. Selvig would approve of my actions."

Darcy's eyes get big at the possibilities. "Why? What did you do? More importantly, who'd ya do it with?"

"Let's just say I have two very good friends who reminded me how much I dislike sleeping alone."

"Two…together or apart?"

"Darcy!" Dr. Selvig scolds as Jane walks into the diner.

"Hey," Jane says as she stands awkwardly by their table. "What are you doin' here?"

Thor gives her a sad smile. "I came to say good-bye. I return home…to Asgard."

"Oh, I see." She pauses before asking, "Were you going to say good-bye to me?"

"I thought we already said our good-byes. Once was enough."

"Right. Yeah."

An awkward silence descends.

Darcy decides she wants her question answered. "So? Together or apart?"

Thor smiles mischievously. "Both. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed the together part."

"Kinky," she replies with approval. "Bet those women didn't know what hit them."

That's when Jane comes to a conclusion about what they are talking about. She blushes uncontrollably at the thought of Thor…her Thor being in bed with two women. And then he says something that stuns her.

"One was male, actually."

Dr. Selvig and Jane start talking about science things in order to prevent themselves from listening further.

"You kinky devil you," Darcy says with a wide grin. "You didn't happen to take any pictures, did you?" When he indicates that he did not, she offers her services as a fourth should they ever need one.

"I will keep that in mind, fair maiden. But I do not think I will be returning to their bed anytime soon."

xxx

"Welcome home, Thor Odinson," Heimdall proclaims when the God of Thunder arrives at the entrance to Asgard's Rainbow Bridge.

"Thank you, Heimdall. It is good to be home." He embraces his friend in a manly hug before looking him over.

The gatekeeper looks the same with amber eyes and dark skin. The expression is as passive as ever, hiding whatever the god has seen and heard with his exceptional senses.

"Have you told my parents of my return?"

"I have."

The blond sighs. "My friend, will you ever let me surprise them?"

"Prince Thor, I am here to prevent such surprises as you well know."

The God of Thunder nods before walking towards home.

"There is a horse waiting for you outside," Heimdall informs him with a slight laugh in his voice. "See? There are advantages to no surprises."

Thor chuckles. "No doubt my feet will be most thankful. Good day to you, my friend."

"And to you, Prince of Asgard."

The prince finds Sleipnir waiting for him. The eight-legged grey horse makes him think of Loki. The Trickster is Sleipnir's mother, after all. How could he help but think of him? Thor runs his hand along the mighty horse's mane before mounting Odin's steed. He feels at home as he rides over the translucent bridge towards the palace.

It is good to be back among his people. He feels this most acutely as men, women, and children going about their day stop what they are doing to pay homage as he rides past. He is most fortunate indeed. He greets them all with a smile and a nod or wave. Some he calls by name, especially those he has fought alongside. They, too, are his brothers in a way, and he loves each and every one of them.

Soon the prince is at the palace. The stable groom comes to take Sleipnir back to his stall. Thor hands over the reigns as he says hello to the man who has taken care of the horses since they were both lads.

Thor walks into the palace and goes to find his parents. They are a welcome sight. He did not realize how much he missed them until the moment he saw them again.

"Thor!" Frigga jumps out of her seat and rushes to hug her son.

"Hello, Mother." Once he is let go, he greets his father with a word and a nod.

Odin rises with a warm smile and embraces his son. "It is good to see you home, Thor. I trust all is well?" After he is assured that his son is fine, he asks if there is any word on Loki.

"I was about to ask you the same question, Father."

"Were you?" There is distrust in his eyes.

Thor feels his defenses rise. He shrugs innocently. "Heimdall did not mention Loki when I saw him. But anything he had learned he would no doubt bring to you."

"Indeed."

"It is more likely you would have heard something before me seeing as how I was on Midgard."

"That would seem more likely."

The God of Thunder looks to his mother. She is standing stiffly, barely looking at him. He looks back at his father. The one eye is examining him closely. "Do you suspect me of something, Father?"

"Should I?"

Thor forces himself to laugh. "Of course not! No doubt Heimdall could tell you much more than I."

"And yet Loki has continued to elude our gatekeeper."

"You should discuss that with Heimdall." He pats his father's shoulder. "Now, I have been away too long. I must visit my friends and catch up." Thor gives his mother another hug and a kiss on the cheek before striding out of the room. Surely even Loki would applaud his performance.

xxx

Logan and Bruce have finally made it to their campsite.

"Tent?"

"Ya wanted a tent?"

Bruce sighs. "Guess the lack of storage on the bike should have been a clue. Do we at least have a blanket…or a towel?"

"I got a blanket. We can sleep on that."

"Food?"

"We can go back to that convenience store we passed." Logan watches Bruce look around. "You regrettin' comin'?"

"Are you kidding? It's perfect. Although, maybe in a couple of nights we get a cabin or a motel."

"What? You don't like sleepin' under the stars?"

"I do. But I also like showers."

"Skinnydipping," Logan counters.

"Touché."

"Gesundheit."

Bruce laughs. "I'm hungry. Let's go find a restaurant."

"Whatever you want, Sweetheart." Logan gets back on the bike and waits for the scientist to get on behind him. "What?" he finally asks when Bruce doesn't move.

"Just…savoring the moment. I don't get many like this."

"You will this week. Now get on the bike before I do something that makes Hulk come out and play."

"Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you."

"I would if he had more stamina."

Bruce gets on the motorcycle. "I'm going to tell him you said that."

Logan smiles. "You do that, Sweetheart. And tell him a little prep would be appreciated, too."

As the Canadian starts up the bike, Bruce leans in and takes his lover's earlobe into his mouth and sucks on it for just a moment. "Like that?" he asks, his lips pressed up against the mutant's ear.

A grin spreads across Logan's face. "Not quite, but close enough. Hold on."

xxx

"Thor!" It is Volstagg who sees the Prince of Asgard first.

"Well, well, well," Fandral says soberly. "The prodigal son returns." He can no longer hold in the smile that seeing his prince brings. He hugs his friend. "It is good to see you, Thor."

"And you, Fandral. And all of you," the handsome god says looking at his friends. He gives them each a hug. "It is good to be home!"

"It is good to have you home," Sif tells him. "You were missed. People were beginning to talk that you prefer Midgard over your own kingdom."

"Who says such things? They are lies. This is my home." Thor lurches forward slightly when Volstagg clasps his shoulder before handing him a cup of mead. "Thank you, my friend." He takes a drink. "But tell me, has there been any word of Loki?"

Everyone scowls. "None," Fandral declares. "He is as invisible as the wind. Let us hope he remains so."

Sif scowls. "The wind still leaves traces. And he will no doubt blow through again. When he does, we will be ready, and he will not escape us as he did before."

Volstagg notes there was that one time Odin had them prepare for battle, believing Loki had been found. But it ended up being a false alarm. They were all at the Bifrost Bridge when Heimdall and Odin moved apart and spoke. After that the warriors were dismissed. Heimdall must have made a mistake or something.

"Heimdall does not make mistakes," Sif defends.

Hogun finally speaks. "Was there no sign of him on Midgard?"

"No," Thor lies though it pains him to do so. "At least, he has not attacked it again."

"Do not worry, Thor," Sif says rubbing his arm. "We will find him. And then we will do what should have been done long ago."

"And what is that?"

"Kill him."

Thor's eyes darken. "That is not how we do things on Asgard."

"That is how Loki does things," she tells him. "Do I need to remind you of Baldur? No. I forgot. You believed Silvertongue when he said he was innocent. You always took his side."

And then Thor remembers why he and Sif are no longer together. "He is my brother."

"Not according to Odin," Fandral reminds his friend.

"I do not expect you to understand. You are like me…strong, mighty, ready to face danger head on. But Loki taught me that that is not always the best way to handle things. Sometimes the better path is the one that does not lead to bloodshed." He looks at the ground. "It is when Loki uses violence that he is at his worst. I prefer it when he uses his head." The mood is somber now. He can feel it. He shakes his head and looks up again. A forced smile graces his lips. "But tell me all that I have missed. Surely there has been much gossip since I've been away."

The Warriors Three breathe again in relief. Sif is still wary of Thor's mood but does not question it. And soon Fandral has everyone laughing at the antics of the kitchen maid, and Volstagg tells them of the rumours he has heard in the brothels.

All is well. Thor begins to relax again. He is content listening to his friends. Even Sif starts to enjoy herself. He is home. The only thing missing is Loki, but that time is long past. Thor Odinson feels a pang of grief before focusing once again on his friends.

xxx

Captain Rogers decides to call it a day at 18:30. He thanks Agents Romanoff, Barton, and Coulson for their efforts.

Clint looks at Natasha. "Wanna grab dinner?"

She looks to Loki who gives her the tiniest head shake. "Yeah, sure. Coulson?"

"Hmm?"

"Dinner?" she clues him in.

Phil's eyes and mind have been on Loki and Steve. "Uh, yeah. Count me in."

She turns to the other two men in the room. "Steve? Loki? You want in on this?"

The Captain gives her a smile. "If I go, who will you complain about?" There is a mild chuckle from the audience. "Nah. Loki and I have plans. But thanks. We'll see you here tomorrow." He and the god leave the room.

"It ain't gonna happen," Clint tells her.

"What?" she asks innocently.

"You aren't going to get us to like them…him," he corrects.

"Which is it? Him or them?"

"Both," Coulson replies.

Tasha gathers up some of the paper on the conference table. "You guys are so unbelievably blind. Steve has Loki practically tamed. You should love them together."

Clint rolls his eyes. "Sorry, we don't get off on the thought of them the way you do."

"You weren't complaining last night…or the night before."

"Ew," Coulson reacts.

"Phil," she begins. "They're happy. Your hero is happy. Who knows how long it'll last? Who knows how long these things ever last? Let them have this moment."

Clint looks at his friend. "I told you she was a romantic."

Phil tilts his head. "I still have a hard time believing it even with it staring me in the face."

"Clint," Natasha scolds. "Whatever. Let's get something to eat. I'm starving." She plans on making it an early night and going home alone.

xxx

Steve and Loki eat at a pub before heading home. When they walk into their apartment, the Captain puts his keys in their usual spot as the god goes to the bathroom. He waits for the Trickster to return. "What do you want to do tonight?"

"You wished to create the portrait, did you not?"

"Well, yeah, but I wasn't sure if you needed more time."

"I'm not sure how much time we have. Best to get it done while we can."

"Loki, I really wish you wouldn't talk that way."

"And I really wish, well, I wish for lots of things. Prepare your materials. I will return shortly." He vanishes before Steve can do or say anything.

The artist murmurs something to himself then goes to get his sketchpad and pastels. He arranges everything on their little table and waits for his lover to return. He does not wait long.

Steve cannot help the short intake of breath that occurs when Loki reappears.

"You wished for me to be blue," the god reminds him. And Loki is most definitely blue with glowing red eyes and ridges on his forehead. He holds something in his hands. "Is it what you expected?"

"No," the artist whispers.

"Are you afraid?"

With a small shake of his head, he answers again, "No." Steve slowly walks to the god.

"I want to believe you." He looks into the blue eyes of the man now standing so close. He sees the curiosity within them, sees them drinking in every detail.

Steve reaches out and touches Loki's forehead. The ridges are hard and cold. His hand travels down the side of the god's face, not stopping until he caresses the slender neck.

"I suppose this is when you tell me how beautiful I am in this form."

"I shouldn't have to. And if you don't know how I feel right now, then nothing I say could convince you that it's true."

"Does it not burn?" the Trickster asks.

"No. It's cold, really cold. But it doesn't hurt. How did you…?"

"Jotenheim was kind enough to provide this," Loki explains as he holds up a chunk of dark blue metal. "Honestly, I wasn't sure it would work."

"Did anyone see you?"

"Of course not." He is almost offended by the question. "I take it you still wish to create my portrait?"

"More than ever." The artist guides Loki to the chair and rearranges the lights. Then he sits on the other side of the table and begins to sketch the outline of the god's face. Soon he is lost in trying to capture the color and texture of the wonder in front of him. "You're magnificent," he utters at one point. Then there are just random words and phrases. "Darker," and "Wrong shade." Also, "Brighter." Usually they are followed by the use of a different color or a look of intense concentration as Steve corrects whatever mistake he sees on the paper.

Loki is holding on to the blue metal like a lifeline. The jagged edges dig into his palms. The pain from it helps to keep him calm and still. And Steve has not run away or asked him to leave. And Steve still looks at him as though he really were magnificent. And Steve looks inspired and lost in his art. And Loki loves the Midgardian for all of that and for so much more. "My dearest Darling," he breathes.

Three seconds later, Steve reacts. "Hm? Did you say something?"

"No. Nothing." He watches the artist some more, and it is such a beautiful sight. It is as though the world, no, the universe has fallen away, and they are all that remain.

The blue eyes travel between paper and subject, comparing them, searching for the thing that will make the drawing capture the spirit of the model. The hands sometimes rise as though remembering a touch then return to the paper. Sometimes the artist looks through his hands, blocking everything except the one thing he is focused on.

The artist scratches his nose and leaves behind a blue smudge. The sight of it makes Loki wonder if it is possible to die from looking at something so adorable.

"Do you want some music?" Steve abruptly asks.

"No, unless you desire it."

Steve shakes his head and looks at his drawing with a scowl.

"I make a poor subject," Loki offers.

"No, I make a poor artist. This is the wrong medium. I should be using paint on canvass. I should have bought them on the way home, but I wasn't sure what colors I'd need. Plus it would take longer…several sittings. If we do this with Natasha, it will have to be with paint." He looks around the apartment and scowls.

"What's wrong, my Darling?"

"Just wishing we had more space, somewhere where I could really…a studio with good light, natural light and…and…and places where I could keep ongoing projects. Painting you isn't going to be a one-sitting deal. Where am I going to put the canvass to let it dry and not get ruined? Where could I even put you and Tasha in order to get the grandeur and lighting I want?"

Loki wants to help. When he notes that Tony Stark owns an entire building and might be able to help out, the artist immediately shoots down the idea.

"I am not asking Tony Stark for anything. You understand?"

"Why not? He has resources. And he lets Bruce and Thor live there. Is it so horrible to make such a request?"

"It is for me. I am not going to be beholden to that man."

"Did he not give you the camera? Did he not help you with the television thing? Did he not keep our secret?"

Steve's jaw tightens. "He did. I didn't ask for the camera. And the television thing was just help setting it up. I'm paying for it."

"So pay for the studio, too."

"Loki, do you know how much real estate costs in Manhattan? I can't afford that."

The Liesmith fiddles with the metal in his hands. "I could get you money if you wish."

Steve looks at the blue creature with the deeply red eyes in front of him. He is suddenly nervous. "How?"

"It would probably be best if you did not know."

"No. No. Any money you bring in will be as an employee of S.H.I.E.L.D. or some other legitimate employer. Do you understand?"

The god nods and looks away. The silence now feels uncomfortable. "Perhaps music would be helpful."

The artist gets up and turns on the television. He puts it on a music station that plays what are now called 'standards'. It is playing 'Someone to Watch Over Me' by George and Ira Gershwin. The tune is melancholy and makes both men think of each other. Loki is especially dumbstruck when the hears the lyric 'I'm a little lamb who's lost in the wood, but I know I could always be good to one who'll watch over me'. He sees Steve lip-singing the words.

"Is this from your time?"

"Yeah. It was a favorite of my mother's actually," the artist tells his muse as he returns to the portrait. "She'd sometimes sing it when she cooked...that and 'I'll Build a Stairway to Paradise'. She was a big Gershwin fan."

"And you?"

Steve shrugs. "I liked…like Cole Porter better. I always thought his lyrics were clever." He shrugs again as he looks between the subject and the portrait. "I think this is as good as it's going to get."

(The song changes to 'Midnight Sun'. Steve doesn't recognize it, because it didn't come out until a decade after the Captain had been frozen.)

"Show me?" Loki is afraid, but he isn't quite sure why. He only knows that whatever is on that paper is how his love sees him and will no doubt see him from now on.

"It's…kind of…Impressionistic." The artist reluctantly hands over the sketchpad. There's a lump in his throat and apprehension in his chest. He is afraid of what Loki will think of it.

The god takes it with one hand. He expected to see a monster, an enemy staring back at him. Instead he sees a noble creature with pride and strength and softness. "It's beautiful," he mutters.

"You really like it?"

Loki's voice is small when he asks, "Is it really me?"

Steve goes to him and makes him stand. "Yes, Kitten. It's you. And it isn't even close to what I see." He puts the sketchpad on the table.

The blue lips are kissed. Arms wrap around bodies. Noses touch as lips meet again and again. Mouths open, and tongues glide across each other. Heart rates increase. Fingers begin to roam.

The artist suddenly pulls away.

"Am I too cold?" Loki Laufeyson asks.

"No, Kitten. I just…I want to see more." He slowly unbuttons his lover's shirt, gently separating the fabric as he goes. More and more of the blue flesh is revealed until a complete strip is visible. Steve runs his fingers along the skin. It's cold like the outside of a soda bottle just taken out of the refrigerator. He pushes the fabric off the blue shoulders and notices more ridges along them and across the upper back.

('The Lady Is a Tramp' begins to play.)

The artist kneels down and helps Loki out of the shoes and socks. He rises again. Placing his hands on either side of the god's neck, they run slowly down and over the chilled shoulders, arms, and chest. "Magnificent."

"Your hands are so warm."

"Is it…okay?"

"It's…nice."

"Nice tolerable or nice…arousing?"

Loki smiles just before pulling Steve in and kissing him passionately. He drives his tongue into the warm mouth as the hand holding the Jotun metal wraps round his lover's waist and pulls him closer. "Does that answer your question?"

Steve takes a step back, removing himself from the Trickster's embrace. Quickly his clothes come off until all he wears are his white boxer shorts. "What do you need, Kitten?"

"I need you, Darling. I need your lips on my skin and your body on top of mine."

Grabbing the top of Loki's pants, Steve pulls him closer. "I think I can arrange that," he says as he looks into the red eyes with the black pupils. The pupils in the portrait are small, almost pinpricks. But the pupils now are larger, diminishing the blood red of the rest of the eyes. He unfastens the god's trousers and pushes them down.

Blue eyes run down the blue body. There are more ridges around the hip bones. The penis, though blue, is still nestled in dark hair. The muscles of the legs appear more pronounced in the new color.

"Where do you want me, Love?"

"Bed." As Loki walks towards it, Steve clarifies. "On your back." He takes of his boxers and follows. He climbs on top of his lover.

The next half hour is spent kissing and touching and exploring the body below him. He notes the differences and similarities, the ridges and moles and veins. Song after song plays as he does this. The tempos and voices change, but Steve keeps the same unhurried pace.

All the while, Loki gets more and more aroused. His breath deepens as he holds tightly onto the chunk of metal in his hand. The body on top of his feels so warm. The mouth is wet and hot. Moans mingle with his exhales as his cock straightens and grows. Then Steve's mouth is over his ear.

"Mouth or ass?" the blond asks. He repeats the question when there's no answer.

"Whose mouth?"

"Both."

"Mouth. Please mouth," he sighs as the beginning of 'You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To' plays though neither one hears it at this point.

Steve turns around so his head faces the foot of the bed. He lowers himself down to the side of Loki who turns to face him.

They start with languid licks, Steve's hot tongue on the frosty cock, Loki's cold tongue on the warm one. The artist shivers from the cold and the attention. It feels better than he imagined it would. Scratch that. It feels incredible, like licking a popsicle and taking a cool dip in the water on a hot summer day. He takes Loki into his mouth and hums.

The god moans, his lips already around the artist's cock. It sends another shiver through the man in front of him. The sensation makes him want more. He moans again as he begins to thrust slowly with his hips. The cock in his mouth slides in and out just as slowly. It is warm in his mouth, as warm as the sensation around his cock, like a warm blanket on a cold morning.

They enjoy the taste of each other and of being tasted. There is no rush. There are only sighs and moans, sucking and slow undulations. And Loki never lets go of the metal in his hand.

The god feels a change in his lover's body. He senses the growing need in the movements. He feels the cock sliding in and out more quickly. He hears growing moans as the vibrations radiate through his body. It makes his own desire grow. Soon they are thrusting faster into each other's mouths as they groan and hum and take in as much as they can. And then the hands on his ass grasp tighter. Their breaths mimic the rhythms of their bodies.

Loki shudders first, his semen as cool as his cock shooting into his lovers mouth. Steve swallows, feeling the coolness slide down his throat. The artist forces the god onto his back. Then Steve begins to fuck Silvertongue's mouth, fucks it with a single-minded determination. He finds the colder temperature around his cock is making it harder to get to orgasm, but he is bound and determined to get there. And so he thrusts hard and fast into the cool wetness.

"Hum. Moan. Purr. Do something," Steve commands.

The god purrs first. Then he creates a growling hum that chokes a moan out of the soldier.

"Yes, Kitten. Again. Do that again." He moans once more as the action is repeated. "Roughen your tongue, Kitten." The added friction spurs Steve on, and he is thrusting harder and faster as his back undulates. Then the god purrs again before once more doing the growling hum. Steve cries out as he feels his semen burst into Loki's mouth.

It is warm in the god's throat like hot tea. He swallows it down, feeling the warmth slide down his body. He sighs with contentment.

Once the artist's breathing as slowed a bit, he turns back around and kisses his lover. The taste of each other mingles in their mouths. Then Steve gently takes the chunk of metal from Loki's hand and puts it on the nightstand. He watches as the blue slowly fades away from the god's body.

('On the Street Where You Live' floats over them from the television.)

"Magnificent," he whispers as the ridges disappear and the green eyes return. "I love you, Kitten."

"I love you back, my Darling. And I love you front…and sideways…and upside down…"

Steve laughs. "Yeah. Guess we proved the upside down part tonight."

"Again. I vividly remember doing this before."

"Not quite like this though," the artist points out.

Loki stretches. "No. This was quite different."

"Different good?"

"Yes. You? I was not too cold?"

"No, Kitten. You were…It was…good, more than good. So what's the verdict? Do we invite Tasha to be part of the painting?" It's not the real question he wants answered, but it is a close enough representation.

"Yes. But we must find a place for you to work."

"Here will be fine." He doesn't want to talk about gifts and real estate again.

"It doesn't hurt to look," the god points out. "You should at least look."

"Fine," Steve says mainly to end the conversation. "Mind if I change it to the news?"

"No cuddles? Just fuck and then news?"

"Relations," he corrects. "Then news with cuddles."

That is something Loki can easily agree to.

xxx

Bruce and Logan gaze up at the stars. They are so bright out here. The scientist had almost forgotten what they looked like.

Their shoulders are touching. It is a warm, welcoming sensation, an 'I belong' type of sensation. They don't talk. They don't have to. This is enough. This is perfect.

The s'mores have been eaten. The fire crackles near them. There is food for the morning, eggs and bacon and instant coffee. There is a blanket beneath them and the stars above.

"Logan?" Bruce breaks the silence.

"M-hm?"

"Thank you."

Logan takes the scientist's hand and gives it a little squeeze but says nothing.

xxx

After the feast welcoming Thor home, the prince finds himself alone with the All-Father. He wants to ask about the false alarm Volstagg told him about earlier but is afraid to bring up Loki. He promised his brother not to give anything away, and he does not wish to tempt fate. So Thor merely says good night and begins to leave.

"Will you not have a drink with your father?"

"Not tonight. I am weary. Tomorrow, I promise."

"I thought tomorrow we could hunt. How does that sound?"

Thor has not been hunting in so long. The thought of it sends a thrill through him. "That sounds perfect, Father. Now, I really must go to bed to be at my best in the morning."

"Yes. Good night, my son."

"Good night, Father."


A/N: Sorry if this chapter feels a little disjointed. I didn't want to lose sight of Bruce and Logan.

Thank you to Brill-disguise1 (ff) who missed Steve and Loki being artsy and suggested Asgardian art as an inspiration. We'll see more of this.

And Jotun Loki is for Live To Rise (ff) who requested this long ago. I hope it satisfied.

The DC character cameo poll results are in. Seems like most of you really want to hear Tony complain about Mr. Wayne of Wayne Enterprises. I'll start slipping these in within the next chapter or two.

Thank you for voting and commenting/reviewing and reading and sticking with me. Until next time…